Yes, Spoonflower is worth it for creative individuals who value unique, custom-printed designs over mass-market cost-effectiveness. Their digital printing quality is excellent, producing vibrant and sharp patterns on a variety of decent fabric bases designed and sold by independent artists.
The brand's value is in endless personalization, not heirloom-grade durability, it's perfect for décor accents, quilting, and apparel where a one-of-a-kind design justifies a mid-range price. For large-scale or heavy-duty upholstery, however, the cost and material limitations make other sources a better choice.
How Is Spoonflower's Quality?
Spoonflower's quality is centered on its printing technology, delivering excellent visual results on good, but not best-in-class, fabric substrates. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Digital Printing and Inks: Spoonflower uses high-resolution digital printers with water-based, non-toxic pigment inks. This process creates sharp, vibrant, and precise patterns that accurately reflect the online designs. Customer reviews consistently praise the print clarity and color richness.
- Fabric Materials: The overall durability depends entirely on the fabric base you select. Popular choices like Cotton Sateen are great for crafts and light decor, while their Linen Cotton blend offers a more textured, natural feel for curtains. These are good quality materials but are not engineered for the high-abrasion resistance of commercial upholstery fabrics.
- Durability and Longevity: With proper care (machine wash cold, low tumble dry), most printed fabrics retain their vibrancy for over two years. They are ideal for low-traffic applications like accent pillows, curtains, and quilts. Fading or pilling can occur with repeated, harsh washing or on furniture pieces that see heavy daily use.
- Manufacturing and Sourcing: All products are printed to order in the United States, which minimizes waste and supports domestic production. Their use of eco-friendly inks also adds a layer of quality for conscious consumers, but the print-on-demand model means a lead time of 2-3 weeks before shipping.
Is Spoonflower Good Value for the Price?
Spoonflower offers strong value for customization and artistic expression, but it's not a budget-friendly option for acquiring large amounts of fabric. The price reflects a specialized, print-on-demand service.
Price Positioning
Spoonflower occupies a mid-tier price point, with most fabrics ranging from $18 to $30 per yard. Their popular Cotton Sateen runs about $21-$25 per yard, while Linen Cotton costs closer to $30. This is significantly more expensive than mass-produced fabrics from Jo-Ann or Fabric.com (which are often under $15/yard) but more accessible than high-end designer textiles from mills that can exceed $100 per yard.
What You're Paying For
The premium price covers customization, uniqueness, and support for independent artists. You are paying for the ability to select from millions of patterns, adjust the scale and repeat, and order the exact amount needed. A portion of every sale goes to the artist who created the design, and the cost also reflects sustainable, US-based printing practices.
Where You Get Good Value
- Unique Decor Projects: Perfect for creating one-of-a-kind throw pillows, nursery bedding, or curtains that match your specific color palette.
- Quilting and Crafting: Crafters who need specific, hard-to-find patterns in small quantities find excellent value here.
- Supporting Artists: For those who want to buy unique designs and directly support independent creators.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Large-Scale Upholstery: Reupholstering a full sofa can become extremely expensive, and the material may not withstand heavy daily wear and tear for years.
- Budget-Driven Projects: If your primary concern is the lowest cost per yard, mass-market fabric retailers will always offer better value.
- Time-Sensitive Needs: The 2-3 week production lead time means it's not a good choice if you need fabric immediately.
Spoonflower Quality by Category
Quality at Spoonflower isn't about different product lines as much as it's about the specific type of fabric you choose for your project.
Cotton Fabrics (Sateen, Poplin, Voile)
Ranging from lightweight Voile to sturdy Cotton Sateen, these 100% cotton options are the workhorses of the Spoonflower lineup. They print with rich color and are excellent for quilting, apparel, and light home decor like pillow covers and napkins. Priced from $18-$25/yard, they offer good performance for projects that won't see heavy abrasion. Verdict: A solid choice for most crafting and decorative uses.
Linen & Canvas (Linen Cotton, Cypress Cotton Canvas)
These heavier-weight fabrics provide more structure and durability, making them suitable for upholstery on light-use accent chairs, tote bags, and tailored curtains. The Linen Cotton blend ($27-$30/yard) has a beautiful texture but can be prone to slight pilling over time. The Canvas is a better choice for structure and wears reasonably well. Verdict: Ideal for adding texture and moderate durability to projects.
Performance Fabrics (Celosia Velvet™, Performance Piqué)
Made from fade and stain-resistant polyester, these are Spoonflower’s most durable options. The Celosia Velvet™ is great for creating lush, resilient pillows and light upholstery, while Performance Piqué is suited for activewear. They are the best bet for high-traffic projects, but expect to pay a premium ($30-$45/yard). Verdict: The go-to choice for anything that needs to be stain-resistant and durable.
Wallpaper & Home Goods
Spoonflower applies its printing expertise to peel-and-stick and traditional wallpapers, bedding sets, and table linens. The quality is consistent with their fabrics: the print visual is great, but the durability of the base material is standard, not commercial-grade. Wallpaper is a fantastic option for a unique accent wall without the luxury price tag. Verdict: Excellent for adding custom visual flair to your home.
Our Verdict: Is Spoonflower Worth It?
Spoonflower is absolutely worth it for creative consumers who prioritize personalization and unique design. It successfully empowers DIYers to create truly custom items that aren't available anywhere else. However, shoppers looking for rock-bottom prices or heirloom-quality upholstery fabric should look elsewhere.
Quality Grade: B+
Spoonflower earns a B+ for its superb, high-resolution digital printing and commitment to sustainable, US-based manufacturing. The colors are vibrant, the patterns are crisp, and the prints hold up well to normal use. The grade isn’t higher because the quality is gated by the durability of the fabric substrates, which are good for home use but are not commercial-grade materials designed to last decades on heavily used furniture.
Value Grade: B
The value proposition is very strong for its target audience, meriting a B. For a mid-range price, you get access to a near-infinite library of designs, support independent artists, and can order custom quantities. The value diminishes quickly for large projects where the per-yard cost becomes prohibitive, meaning it isn't an economical choice for every situation.
Better Alternatives to Spoonflower
While Spoonflower is a leader in custom printing, other retailers might be a better fit if your priorities are maximum durability, lower prices, or specific natural fibers.
Contrado
Contrado focuses on premium, professional-grade textile printing with a wider array of luxury and high-durability fabrics like velvets, leather, and outdoor-ready canvas. Their quality and durability exceed Spoonflower's, making them better for high-end upholstery and commercial projects, though prices are often higher.
Shop now at contrado.com
Fabric.com (Amazon)
For budget-conscious shoppers needing fabric in bulk, Fabric.com is an unbeatable resource. It offers a massive selection of mass-produced decorating and apparel fabrics at a fraction of Spoonflower's price. You lose customization and unique patterns, but gain significant cost savings for large projects.
Shop now at fabric.com
Hawthorne Supply Co.
Hawthorne offers a curated collection of high-quality, designer-printed fabrics but without the on-demand customization of Spoonflower. They are an excellent choice if you want a premium, trendy pattern with guaranteed quality control and US-based manufacturing.
Shop now at hawthornesupplyco.com
The Fabric Store
A specialty retailer that excels in high-quality natural fibers like merino wool, linen, and hemp. The Fabric Store is a superior alternative for those prioritizing heirloom-quality, sustainable materials for apparel or high-end decor over custom-printed patterns.
Shop now at thefabricstoreonline.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Spoonflower fabric last?
With proper care (machine wash cold, low heat dry), Spoonflower fabric prints maintain their color vibrancy for well over two years. The fabric's physical lifespan depends on the base material and its use, a quilt will last many years, while a heavily used upholstered cushion might show wear in 3-4 years.
Is Spoonflower fabric good for upholstery?
It can be, but you must choose the right fabric. Their Cypress Cotton Canvas or recycled canvas are suitable for light-use furniture like accent chairs. For anything that gets daily wear, you should opt for their Performance fabrics. It is not recommended for high-traffic sofas or family room furniture due to its cost and moderate durability compared to commercial alternatives.
Why is Spoonflower more expensive than big-box fabric stores?
You're paying for a custom, on-demand service, not mass-produced inventory. The price includes the ability to print any design, the support of an independent artist who receives a commission, high-quality non-toxic inks, and US-based labor and manufacturing.
Can I wash Spoonflower fabric?
Yes, all Spoonflower fabrics are designed to be machine washable. For best results and color longevity, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a phosphate-free detergent. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to avoid wrinkles.
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